Dehydration and Malnutrition in Greeley Nursing Homes
Residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities rely on staff members to provide for their basic needs. This includes adequate nutrition and hydration, especially for residents incapable of caring for themselves. Unfortunately, many residents suffer severe complications from staff member abuse or neglect, including dehydration and malnutrition in Greeley nursing homes.
When a family member in a nursing home suffers any form of neglect, you should contact an attorney to evaluate your legal options. A nursing home abuse attorney could assist you and your loved one with holding staff members responsible and seeking compensation. No nursing home resident should ever suffer harm from the people meant to protect them, but legal action could help your family move forward.
Warning Signs of Dehydration and Malnutrition for Nursing Home Residents
To mitigate nursing home abuse, the Nursing Home Reform Act requires long-term care facilities to meet their residents’ basic needs, including proper nutrition and hydration. While malnutrition and dehydration in Greeley nursing homes often go hand in hand, the two are distinct. Malnutrition occurs when a person does not intake adequate nutrition, and dehydration is caused by not drinking enough water or losing more fluid than taken in.
Whether due to understaffing or poor training, nursing home abuse and neglect can result in staff members not meeting these needs. Some elderly residents are more at risk for experiencing abuse by nursing home staff, including those with Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive impairments that may make it difficult to communicate their needs.
As family members, it is important to know the warning signs of nursing home abuse to prevent injury or illness. Some symptoms of dehydration and malnutrition to look out for include:
- Dry skin
- Extreme thirst
- Confusion
- Unexplained weight loss
- Changes in urine
- Pale skin
- Lightheadedness
- Fever
If someone suspects a nursing home resident is dehydrated or malnourished, it is vital to get them medical care as soon as possible. Then, a nursing home abuse attorney could help families evaluate their legal options.
Complications from Dehydration and Malnutrition
Dehydration and malnutrition are prevalent forms of elder abuse and often go unnoticed until more serious complications arise. Lack of proper hydration or nutrition can lead to injuries and illnesses, including:
- Kidney failure
- Lack of mobility
- Pneumonia
- Bedsores
- Weakened immune system
- Seizures
- Death
In many of these cases, managing a physical recovery with expensive medical costs may be overwhelming. A nursing home resident in Greeley diagnosed with dehydration or malnutrition could file a lawsuit to obtain monetary damages for their injuries and hold the facility accountable. With the guidance of a dedicated attorney, victims of nursing home abuse could seek compensation for their medical care, emotional trauma, cost of caregivers, or other medical equipment.
If a nursing home resident dies due to dehydration or malnutrition, their family members could file a claim for wrongful death against the nursing home and their staff. While no amount of compensation can bring back a loved one, a successful wrongful death suit could bring financial support to surviving family members and cover the cost of burial and funeral expenses.
Learn More About Dehydration and Malnutrition in Nursing Homes From a Compassionate Greeley Attorney
Nursing homes and long-term care facilities have a legal responsibility to provide for the basic needs of their residents. In cases where staff members do not meet this requirement, dehydration and malnutrition in Greeley nursing homes can lead to devastating harm to our most vulnerable loved ones.
If you suspect a nursing home is not providing residents with adequate hydration and nutrition, you want to take action to protect your loved one as soon as possible. A nursing home abuse attorney can assist you with filing a lawsuit to obtain compensation and accountability. Call today so we can advocate for justice on your behalf.
